The new technique takes half the time it currently takes for an officer to collect evidence manually.

It means roads can be opened sooner after incidents, and re-creates a virtual copy of the scene which can be used during investigations and court cases.

Trials showed the scanners were able to collect 30 per cent more data and reduced average road closure times by an average of 90 minutes.

The equipment has been jointly funded by the Department of Transport, the National Policing Improvement Agency, Essex Police Authority and Essex County Council.

A number of officers from the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit at Boreham have been trained to use the equipment supplied.

PC Duncan Thurwell said: "The laser scanner is an amazing piece of equipment that will reduce road closure times after fatal or serious collisions - something we know is a source of frustration to members of the public who rely on the roads.

"It also allows us to build a much more detailed picture of events from evidence at the scene and turn it into a virtual 3D world which can be used as an investigative aid, to analyse the actions of a driver from their viewpoint or be called upon in court to test witness evidence.

"Although the scanner is being rolled out to aid the investigation of collisions, it can also be used at the scenes of other serious incidents where detailed evidence needs to be captured such as murder or rape."